Stay Safe, Stay Smart

Jack Johnston
Mar 1
2 min read

By: Marissa Miczek

While National Read Across America Week may be more exciting, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is just as--if not more--important. From March 2nd-8th, 2025, organizations across the country, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), work to educate the public about how to recognize scams, avoid fraud, and make smart financial decisions.

With the rise of technology, scams are becoming more and more common. NCPW provides valuable resources to help individuals protect their personal and financial information. All week the FTC is providing resources and advice on X and Facebook. If you prefer listening over reading (I don’t blame you), tune in to the Montgomery County (MD) Consumer Connection podcast. They provide invaluable information, their most recent podcast delving into the role of AI. The FTC also provides free materials and resources at their in-person events throughout the week as well (info linked here).

National “Slam the Scam” Day, on Thursday March 6th, 2025, goes hand-in-hand with NCPW. On this day, the Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General aims to raise awareness of government imposter scams.

It’s important for students and adults alike to stay vigilant! Scammers may target students through social media as well as other forms like internships and job offers online. Staying informed not only protects yourself and your personal information, but it also gives you the opportunity to educate others. Ensure that your family and friends know how to recognize scams and what actions to take to avoid becoming a victim.

Take advantage of NCPW’s resources to stay informed and protect yourself from deceptive practices. Below are some general tips; however, they only cover the surface of what these scams truly encompass.

Common Consumer Scams to Watch For:

Unpaid Toll Scams: Fake notices claiming you owe toll fees
Phishing Emails & Texts: Scammers pretending to be banks or companies
Online Shopping Fraud: Fake websites selling counterfeit or nonexistent goods
Investment & Job Scams: Promises of easy money or fake job offers

How to Stay Safe:

Verify Sources: Always check if an email, text, or call is legitimate before responding.
Protect Your Personal Information: Never share sensitive details unless you’re certain of the recipient.
Report Scams: If you suspect fraud, file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.